Rafael Nadal played his last match of his career at the Davis Cup on Tuesday. In a highly anticipated clash, Nadal could not manage to win and suffered a 6-4, 6-4 defeat against Botic Van de Zandschulp. However, after the defeat, the Spaniard faced some criticism for his decision to play singles. But, amidst endless criticism and debate, David Ferrer, the captain of the Spanish team, has now come forward tp defend his decision.

In a Thursday interview with El Partidazo de COPE, Ferrer explained his reasoning, talking about Nadal’s unique qualities as a competitor. “I went for Rafa because I was clear that between Rafa and Roberto, seeing how they were training and that Rafa was improving day by day, they were playing matches that were very even,” Ferrer said. He expressed confidence in Nadal’s ability to rise to the occasion. Ferrer admitted it was, however, a risk, considering Nadal’s long break from competition.

“It was an unknown because he had not competed for a long time, but if I had to give that opportunity to someone, it was Rafa,” Ferrer explained. For context, Rafa has not had a good record this season with just 12 wins and 7 losses in the 2024 year. The last professional event that Nadal played was the Paris Olympics with Carlos Alcaraz followed by an exhibition event in Saudi Arabia. Ferrer further clarified his reasoning for keeping Nadal out of doubles.

“In doubles, you need to be very attentive and have match rhythm, and Rafa had not been playing matches. It had been a long time since the Olympic Games,” he concluded. However, his record at the Davis Cup also proved to be an edge for Ferrer to choose him over the others. Having a 29-1 record before the match against Botic and a 4-time winner meant that he had always come out on top in clutch moments.

Also, the reception that he got from the crowd could have been more favorable to him. But things did not turn out the way he wanted. Talking about criticism, Benoit Maylin, a French journalist however, strongly opposed the choice.

French journalist strongly opposes Rafael Nadal’s decision to play in the singles

Speaking on the Winamax TV show “Sans Filet,” Benoit Maylin voiced strong criticism over Rafael Nadal’s selection for singles during Spain’s Davis Cup campaign. He took aim at the decision-makers, including David Ferrer, the Spanish tennis federation, and local authorities. “Rafa has said it over and over again: ‘I’m not here to say goodbye but to help Spain win this Davis Cup,’” Maylin stated.

Maylin argued that Nadal’s current physical state made him an unsuitable choice for singles. “You don’t put Nadal, you never put Nadal, you know very well that the guy is not up to par,” he said. According to Maylin, Spain should have relied on Roberto Bautista Agut and Carlos Alcaraz to secure a win against the Netherlands and avoid a dependence on doubles. He added, “Maybe Rafa would have had time to get into the competition and then play him in doubles.”

Thus, while Rafael Nadal decided to play in the singles, it came with a massive backlash for him. What do you think? Was it the right choice for him to play in the singles? Do let us know in the comments below!